Somewhere over the Rainbow...

Do we ever wonder what the people around us really think of us? I was asked this once on a job interview - to which I responded to break the ice: "it depends on who you ask" [probably not the best answer in hindsight! lol]. I didn't think much of this question until today (ladies washrooms are an amazing meeting ground!). Our family are one thing...they are supposed to love us unconditionally no matter what and put up with all of our crap even those moments we are not proud of. Our friends last for seasons - the truly faithful that stand the test of time also love the good, bad and ugly qualities about us...or do they? Do they tolerate us or do they really accept and appreciate all parts of our personality? And if we're committed to another, we have to find a common ground where both partners are able to learn to live with and accept each other's flaws/quirks and compromise, otherwise problems are inevitable. What at first maybe easily overlooked, may not be the reality in the long term. It's not an easy task for all involved.

Then there are our co-workers and colleagues. Some we get along with and some we probably just stay out of their way for peace sake. Because the truth is: no matter how hard you try, some people would not like the best bone in your body even if you gave it your all. And the ones that feign pleasantries, are probably the ones you need to be most wary of, because you never know where you stand unless something happens for you to realize this. Others due to differences in opinion or fallouts at one time or another, prefer not to "get into your space" for reasons of their own. I heard this at church this weekend and I think it struck a chord with a lot of people in the congregation. The question was: what would you do if you and your neighbour did not get along? Would you cross the road and shake hands? Or would you prevent a likely trip to the dentist's office and just sit quietly and pray about a resolution to the situation? In the world in which we now live, it's possible that we would most likely opt for the latter.

On another note, I think a lot of times pride gets in the way. Sometimes we want to be the bigger person and shake hands, but something deep inside...that human condition that we are all susceptible to, prevents us from making that step. Would the other person ignore us? Worse yet - insult us or not even look our way? Can we really put aside our hurt and anger long enough to call the whole impasse off? Or do we avoid that step because in our head it just does not make sense? Would the other person just keep on making the same gross mistakes again and again if we called a truce and gave them another chance? Decisions...decisions. At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself and all of the choices you make. Sometimes it's best to just make peace with yourself, leave well enough alone and place it in the hands of the Almighty. As they say, "time is longer than twine" and most times situations resolve themselves on their own or the Lord places a [similiar] situation in your life so that you are forced to deal with your emotions and if necessary heal that which needs to be healed.

Indeed people are complex beings and one way to understand them is to embrace those qualities in yourself that remind you of them - sounds strange but we all are the same underneath it all. Then maybe "somewhere over the rainbow" we would be set free from the confines of our frailties/weaknesses.

As we inch closer and closer to that special and sacred time of year...let us find meaning in our daily existences and make it count! ©

photo credit - collthings.co.uk

Have you found your gift?

Now I've really been "sticking" with my posts of late, as we say in this country. It's just that being back out to work is taking a toll on me already! Thank God for the weekend. After this week, I really do believe in second chances, but we'll save that for another time. 

Some good news about my book - the formatting of the interior and cover design are completed so I am just awaiting the sample copy. When I'm finished vetting it ...it goes to distribution! YAY! I order copies and I believe 8 weeks after, it will be available online on Amazon. I could hardly wait. Then I have to organize my book launch. I'm thinking of having 2 launches. The first one will be done at the library as opposed to the bookshop as I orginally planned. And the second will be a small intimate gathering with family and friends. Of course there's lots to do. I have to find a venue, organize catering and decorating. And of course I have to budget first and foremost. Hoping I can do it all.

I was planning this very deep post last night, about our different belief systems after attending church last night and reading a book I bought recently...but I decided against it. I realized that I have to accept that everyone will ultimately have their own belief and who I am to judge - "to each his own." I know that I believe in God and He is responsible for everything that happens in my life. I don't think that I can do any of this without Him and for that I am eternally grateful for breath, for life, talents and the people in it. Like a friend of mine told me today, sometimes it takes a life-changing moment to bring you to YOUR Moment of Truth. And for you to believe that without God you are nothing. I will never change my belief and will never succomb to any other influence because I have come to know Him on a personal level and he has worked miracles in my life. Needless to say, I believe that I have been called to fulfill a deeper purpose which is to influence lives through my writing which is inspired from God. I am not saying that I am perfect, but I believe I have a gift that comes naturally and effortlessly which I feel motivated to share with as many people as possible. And I do it not to gain anything but simply because I feel I have a duty that I honestly enjoy above everything else.

This I say to you, we are all blessed with a natural talent/gift and if you have found it, give of it freely because it's rewards are abundant and priceless. Wishing everyone a great week ahead and an opportunity to right all the wrongs. ©

Back to reality

Well it's back to reality for me again...I returned to work on Friday after my 2-week vacation. I must say it was very productive and relaxing. I got to pack in as many things as possible into those 11 days. It's kind of nice going back to work on a Friday...only 1 day for the week, I get to ease myself gradually back into the work week. And you know what else is good about returning to work on a Friday? The after-work lime (as we say in trini)! I went to a sushi bar with a co-worker friend of mine and we had ourselves a time. I must say it was a great way to end the week.

We've been getting a lot of rain in this part of the world this past week and of course there's little you can do, but stay indoors and curl up under your covers with a hot drink and a book. My plans to go to the beach were foiled. And of course with technology nowadays you're connected to so many people, virtually anywhere in the world without even having to pick up a phone to make a call or log onto your computer. Our smart phones keep us connected with just the press of a few buttons. Isn't it just nifty?!

Apart from that, I tend to do a lot of thinking and planning on my porch in my favourite comfy chair just looking at the rain, mountains and trees. And I was thinking how grateful I am to be alive and have great people in my life. You know every year I meet a few new people and those meetings have blossomed into some great friendships. And I got to thinking that every single person that comes across your path is for a reason - whether they stand the test of time or not. It doesn't just happen by chance. The ones that don't last probably came into your life at that specific moment to impart a lesson or to provide a test.  You may think it's all you, but God works in mysterious ways and He indeed knows what He's doing, so we need to trust Him a little more often.

Today was a busy day but tomorrow it starts anew all over again. New opportunities await~

Sometimes all it takes is a good rain shower to wash away all the grime, so that we can refresh our view and get a new perspective on life.

Anytime I face a challenge or feel stuck, I go to a place where I feel at peace (like my garden watching a sunset) and get lost in my thoughts for few moments. And I always find the answers in my heart when I look above in prayer.

photos courtesy ©  C.K.Correia

What are you grateful for?

[Feel free to post your comments.]

Counting down to print...

Good Sunday vibes to all of you!!

Just touching base to say that things are coming along very nicely with regard to my book. I received the completed front and back covers as well as the formatting for the interior of my book on Friday! Super excited. Soo much so that I couldn't wait to finish renewing my driver's permit and skipped the gym to rush home and view my files. It's just fabulous...I printed it all out and can't stop staring at it! There are one or two little minor adjustments that need to be made but everything's looking just spectacular. I can't wait for the next step. I've been going to bed really late these past few weeks but my adrenaline's pumping and it's all worth it. Need to take a time out every now and then though...so I've been watching a lot of movies lately during my down time.

Next week is my last week on vacation and I'm going to just spent it relaxing and soaking up the last few days before the drama all starts again:S Perhaps another trip to the beach. Oh! and there's one last piece of business I need to attend to but I'll keep that a secret! Wish me luck!

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this fine Sunday...enjoy it to the fullest...and make it COUNT!!!

Stay tuned...

Ciao!

The Best and the Worst of times

A special good night to all my new visitors and also my returning visitors from Russia and the United States...thanks for welcoming me into your lives if only for a few minutes...it is much appreciated! Please feel free to leave your comments on my blog.

Today was a long and rewarding day. My vacation is turning into quite a work out! I got some good news and bad news. It was nerve racking but the good news was greaT and worth the wait. I realize more and more the power of prayer as I journey through my daily challenges. God is indeed alive and present in each and everyone of us, if only we realize His potential to work in our lives and allow the miracles to happen. Sometimes we want to take the credit for the good that happens (it's only human nature) but we have to realize that we could never do it alone.

On another note, the other news I was waiting on did not turn out positively but we [I] have to find the lessons and silver lining in every situation. It's been a long journey but sooner or later the answer(s) you've been waiting on will present themselves, and by that time we should be ready for it to occur. You can't try to figure out why things did not work out the way you expected but understand that there is a Greater plan...something that is Bigger than both you and I. The waiting game is indeed excruciatingly painful at times but you have to rely on the knowledge that you are exactly where you need to be at any given moment. I can't say it is due to lack of trying in my case. If you sit around and do nothing then that's a totally different story. But if you're a go-getter then the age old expression - "what is for you, is for you" should provide some comfort. And that's it! Let it go...and wait for that #MomentOfTruth to unfold.

Sooo onto yet another story. Someone called me tonight trying to convince me of something (and don't ya just hate it when that happens??! Ohmygosh.) They were trying to convince me that you should be satisfied when things are "comfortable" and should not strive for greater heights. They told me that they don't believe in finding your passion but rather security is a higher priority! Needless to say, that conversation was deeply troubling since this is not the first time that individual has brought it up. What can I say? I guess if Steve Jobs believed that then he would have never invented the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Macintosh computer etc! My word. I hate it when people try to force their beliefs on you! I don't go around telling people how to live their life!? I should think I try to inspire/motivate individuals to bring about positive change while sharing my experiences. But what can you do? No matter how hard you argue your point of view some people would never see it. With that said, the world mourns the loss of the great inventor Steve Jobs...thank you for your invaluable contributions and RIP.

To all the workaholics out there burning the midnight oil (well not quite 12 yet) hard work pays off and if your work is adding to the quality of life...then hats off to you! Someone out there appreciates you without you even knowing it! But remember to slow down long enough to smell the roses and spend time with the ones you love...cos time is something you can neVer get back...and when you're gone...the work goes on but you won't live to see the finer things in life...your replacement will. Gruesome but true. Think about it.

Have a good one...

Cheers!

I'll leave you with another beautiful scenery...

© image courtesy Sherry Ann Lee

Nice progress

Just thought I'd report that my cover is coming along very nicely...Saw the "mock-up" today for the front and back covers...one word - fab-U-lous!


The excitement is building...counting down to the hard copy...


Stay tuned...


xo

Welcome October!~

Another month is here! Wishing everyone a great October! This month is yours....claim it and make it count!...cos you're one step closer to making some of your dreams a reality!
Remember it's never too late...

xo

Escape from reality...vacation time again

Ever think that you needed an escape from reality for a bit? Well I know my "time-out" was near when I found it more and more difficult to get out of bed each morning in an effort to beat the horrendous traffic on our motorways. What was once a 20-minute drive takes now 1-2 hours max. I was beginning to get really fatigued by the all-consuming rat race. So here I am...stress free and liberated, yesterday officially kicked off my short 2 week vacay. I am not travelling this time around but plan to get some much needed R&R and soak up the simple things in life that some of us take for granted like free time! Besides working on my book and my blogs I will be attending to some business that I have been putting off for far too long. Although I plan to keep things on a really small scale I will also be putting in place some promotional activities like a intimate book launch, reviews with the newspapers, deals with the local bookstores/book clubs/libraries/schools/consulars abroad etc. A lot of work ahead of me.

I will also like to look into getting some freelance gigs in broadcasting since that is a growing passion of mine. Would love the opportunity to do some voiceovers for documentaries, commercials, newscasting for radio etc. But of course, easy does it so I am going to try taking some baby steps instead of trying to do everything all at once. Getting my feet wet with some commercials seems like a good way to start. It's all about networking it seems, so I hope faith is on my side. I am using this platform to articulate my thoughts and ideas and also speak (or type) it  into action. Let's see if it works. I haven't been devoting much time to this since a year after completing my broadcasting course, but the little I tried did not really work out - sad to say. It's difficult to break into a new field especially when you're one of thousands who are trying to do the same. I am also soon going to be doing podcasts which hopefully will be able to be uploaded onto my blog, so readers of my web blog will be able to put a voice to the writing. Nuff said...it's time to get cracking. Need to work on the revisions of my manuscript. The night has just begun for me.

I had a lovely day at the beach today and I will share with you some photos. Next week it's gym (to work off all this bake and shark and Häagen-Dazs!), catch up on my reading, more beach, errands, mall, movies, sleeeepp.

Have a great weekend everyone. And please feel free to leave your comments on my blog! Oh and have a gr8 October!!!!!~ sad to see September go soo soon:( but hello October:-) Get ready for the ride....and make it count!!

 

my friend and I took this pic lying on the sand!

© images courtesy C.K.Correia

My New Book Cover!

Hey all,

Guess what?! I received my new cover for my book today!!! And it's absolutely A-mazing! I had a little delay because of the graphic artist that never delivered (after making promises since July) but God is good. I prayed about it last night and the Holy Spirit guided me along a series of events that led to me getting this fantastic and breathtaking photo. One of my friends who just happens to be a professional photographer(!) obliged me with what I call a blessing. It's everything I envisaged and more. It encapsulates the title and theme of my collection.

What did I learn from all of this? Not to place all of your trust in a person when all the signs are telling you to throw in the towel. And that sometimes people who seem to be in your favour are really not. And even though you consider them highly they may not feel the same way about you. That's just the way the cookie crumbles. I still have trouble coming to terms with this fact of life after all this time. I really do have false expectations of people and even life sometimes...I take it for granted that things are supposed to go perfectly all the time. When the reality hits it's sometimes harsh. How naive I know...but life is a learning process.  As for professionalism...well...I guess that leaves much to be desired for thoughts of entrepreneurship for him later on. I will say a prayer for that individual tonight and let it rest. I hold no resentment - strangely enough. God opened a door for me to get an even better cover and I am thankful beyond words. And how quickly and hassle free it all happened is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Jesus!

The excitement is building. I got the edit back from the publishers this week and then I review it one more time...then it's off for formatting and then to print!! I can't wait! Can you? Once again I will like to thank the readers of my web blog for stopping by to visit. No matter what part of the world you are in you will be able to purchase a copy of my book via http://www.amazon.com/ or www.amazon.co.uk I look forward to your support in my latest venture. This has been an exciting journey and I can't wait for the day when I can hold my first published book in my hands.


Thank you!

xoxo